Orpinton's new library officially opened

Orpington’s new library has been officially opened by bestselling author Adele Parks and Orpington MP Jo Johnson.

The library opened to the public in May, which has led to a significant increase in membership and visitor numbers, according to Bromley Council.

Laid out over two floors, and providing street level access, the new library has community facilities, including meeting areas, plus reading space, self service facilities and free wi-fi.

Councillor Peter Morgan, executive councillor for renewal and recreation, said: “It was a great pleasure to see the new facility officially open, which will create a hub for the local community. Our decision to relocate the library to the town centre has already been vindicated with a significant increase in membership and visitor figures.”

Parks said: "I firmly believe that people's lives are enhanced by reading so it's wonderful to see this facility available to local communities."

The council said that the library had enrolled 1325 new members in the six week period since its opening, compared to 300 members last year.

With 51,622 visitors since its opening, Orpington Library has also improved on last year's figures by 33,326 - an increase of 180 per cent.